Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr. on February 19, 1940, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and music executive. He is one of the key figures in the development of Motown, the influential record label that played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of American popular music in the 1960s and beyond.
As the frontman for The Miracles, Smokey Robinson contributed significantly to Motown’s success with his distinctive tenor voice, smooth falsetto, and exceptional songwriting skills. Some of The Miracles’ most well-known hits include “Shop Around,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” and “The Tracks of My Tears.”
Beyond his work with The Miracles, Robinson achieved success as a solo artist, releasing chart-topping hits like “Cruisin'” and “Being with You.” His contributions to the Motown songwriting team, which included penning songs for other artists on the label, solidified his reputation as one of the greatest songwriters in the history of American popular music.
Smokey Robinson has received numerous accolades, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His impact on soul and R&B music is immeasurable, and his influence continues to resonate with generations of musicians and fans alike. In addition to his music career, Robinson has also been involved in various philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.
1. The Tears of a Clown
“The Tears of a Clown” is a classic soul song that was co-written by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Hank Cosby. It was performed by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles and released as a single in 1970. The song became one of their biggest hits and a timeless classic in the Motown catalog.
The lyrics of “The Tears of a Clown” convey a mixture of joy and sorrow. The upbeat and catchy melody contrasts with the melancholic lyrics, telling the story of a man who hides his true emotions behind a facade of humor and laughter. The central metaphor of the tears of a clown reflects the idea that someone can be outwardly cheerful while concealing inner pain.
Stevie Wonder contributed to the music for the song, particularly the iconic circus-like instrumental motif that gives the track its distinctive sound. The combination of Robinson’s emotive vocals, Wonder’s musical contributions, and the Motown production resulted in a memorable and impactful song.
“The Tears of a Clown” achieved commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom. The song’s enduring popularity has made it a staple in the Motown repertoire and a classic example of the soul music genre.
2. Tracks Of My Tears
“Tracks of My Tears” is a classic soul song by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, released in 1965. It’s considered one of the most iconic and enduring songs in the Motown catalog.
The song “Tracks of My Tears” is known for its poignant lyrics, expressing the facade of happiness that someone displays while hiding their true emotions and pain behind a smile. It’s a heartfelt ballad that describes the sadness and tears hidden from the world, despite outward appearances of joy.
Smokey Robinson’s soulful and emotive vocals, coupled with the Miracles’ harmonies and the song’s memorable melody, contributed to its immense success. The track resonated with audiences, becoming a chart-topping hit and a signature song for Smokey Robinson and The Miracles.
“Tracks of My Tears” has since become a classic in soul music, admired for its heartfelt lyrics, soulful delivery, and enduring emotional impact, and it has been covered by numerous artists across different genres.
3. You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me
“You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” is a classic song by The Miracles, written by Smokey Robinson. It was released in 1962 and became one of the group’s signature hits.
The song “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” is known for its emotional lyrics and soulful melody. It portrays the feelings of love and vulnerability, describing the power that someone holds over the narrator’s emotions. Despite the challenges and struggles, the narrator acknowledges being deeply attached and affected by the person they love.
Smokey Robinson’s passionate and heartfelt delivery, along with the harmonious vocals of The Miracles, created a powerful and memorable track. The song’s soulful sound and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences, making it a major hit for the group.
“You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” has since become a classic in the Motown and soul music genre, appreciated for its emotional depth, memorable melody, and the iconic performance by The Miracles. It’s been covered by various artists over the years, showcasing its enduring popularity and impact.
4. Ooo Baby Baby
“Ooo Baby Baby” is a classic soul ballad written by Smokey Robinson and Pete Moore of The Miracles. It was released by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles in 1965 and has since become one of the most beloved and enduring songs in the Motown catalog.
The song’s lyrics convey a theme of heartbreak and regret as Robinson reflects on a failed relationship. The title and chorus, with Robinson singing “Ooo baby baby,” add a touch of vulnerability and emotion to the soulful ballad. The poignant lyrics are complemented by Robinson’s smooth and expressive vocal delivery.
“Ooo Baby Baby” features a lush orchestral arrangement and showcases the sophisticated production style characteristic of Motown records in the 1960s. The song became a significant hit for The Miracles, reaching high positions on the charts.
Over the years, “Ooo Baby Baby” has been covered by numerous artists from various genres, attesting to its enduring appeal. The song’s timeless quality lies in its emotional depth, capturing the universal experience of heartache and making it a classic in the soul and R&B genres.
5. I Second That Emotion
“I Second That Emotion” is a classic soul song co-written by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland. Originally recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, the song was released in 1967 as a single and later included on their album “Make It Happen.”
The title of the song is a play on the phrase “I second the motion,” commonly used in parliamentary procedure. In the context of the song, it is a clever wordplay expressing agreement and emotional resonance. The lyrics describe the speaker’s feelings of uncertainty and hesitation in a romantic relationship.
Smokey Robinson’s vocal performance is smooth and soulful, characteristic of his style, and the track features a distinctive bassline and upbeat instrumentation. One of the most memorable elements of the song is the use of a wah-wah pedal on the guitar, adding a funky and distinctive sound to the arrangement.
“I Second That Emotion” became a major hit for The Miracles, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s popularity endured over the years, and it has been covered by various artists in different genres. Its clever wordplay, catchy melody, and soulful delivery contribute to its status as a classic in the Motown and soul music canon.
6. Mickey’s Monkey
“Mickey’s Monkey” is a classic song by The Miracles, released in 1963. The song was written by the team of Holland–Dozier–Holland, who were prolific songwriters for Motown.
“Mickey’s Monkey” is an upbeat and lively track that incorporates elements of dance and rhythm and blues. The song’s lyrics describe the dance craze inspired by a fictional character named Mickey, who performs a unique dance called “the monkey” that everyone wants to imitate.
The Miracles’ energetic and soulful performance, coupled with the catchy melody and infectious rhythm, made “Mickey’s Monkey” a popular hit for the group. The song’s danceable groove and lively nature resonated with audiences, becoming a staple in the Motown catalog.
The track showcases The Miracles’ versatility, as they were able to deliver both heartfelt ballads and energetic dance tunes like “Mickey’s Monkey.” The song remains a fun and memorable part of the Motown era, celebrated for its lively beat and its contribution to the dance music of the time.
7. Going To A Go-Go
“Going to a Go-Go” is a classic Motown song performed by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Released in 1965, the song was written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, Bobby Rogers, and Marv Tarplin. It became one of their signature hits and is considered a quintessential track in the Motown catalog.
The lyrics of “Going to a Go-Go” describe the excitement and anticipation of going out to a popular dance venue, commonly referred to as a “go-go.” The song captures the lively and energetic atmosphere of the music and dance scene during the mid-1960s.
Known for its infectious beat, catchy melody, and the dynamic lead vocals of Smokey Robinson, the song became a major hit for The Miracles. Its upbeat and danceable quality has made it a favorite in the Motown repertoire.
“Going to a Go-Go” has had a lasting impact and has been covered by various artists over the years. It remains a classic representation of the Motown sound and its influence on popular music during the 1960s.
8. Shop Around
“Shop Around” is a classic song by The Miracles, released in 1960. It was written by Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records.
“Shop Around” is a significant song in the history of Motown as it was the label’s first million-selling hit. The song’s lyrics offer advice about love, urging individuals to “shop around” before settling into a serious relationship. It emphasizes the importance of exploring various options and taking the time to find the right partner.
The Miracles’ performance, led by Smokey Robinson’s smooth vocals, along with the group’s harmonies, contributed to the song’s success. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences, making it a chart-topping hit and establishing The Miracles as a significant act in the Motown lineup.
“Shop Around” not only became a major hit for The Miracles but also marked a milestone for Motown Records, laying the groundwork for the label’s future success and its impact on the music industry.
9. More Love
“More Love” is a soulful ballad performed by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Released in 1967, the song was written by Smokey Robinson along with Marv Tarplin, and it became one of their notable hits.
The lyrics of “More Love” express a heartfelt plea for deeper and more profound love. Smokey Robinson’s emotive vocals, combined with the smooth orchestration and the Miracles’ harmonies, create a poignant and romantic atmosphere. The song’s message revolves around the idea that genuine love should be constant and ever-growing.
“More Love” showcases Robinson’s songwriting prowess and the Miracles’ ability to deliver soulful, romantic ballads. The track features a lush arrangement, including a distinctive harpsichord that adds a touch of sophistication to the production.
Over the years, “More Love” has been recognized as one of the enduring love songs of the Motown era. Its timeless appeal lies in its emotional depth, melodic beauty, and the universal theme of yearning for a deeper connection in matters of the heart. The song remains a cherished classic in the Motown and soul music repertoire.
10. Baby, Baby Don’t Cry
“Baby, Baby Don’t Cry” is a song by The Miracles, released in 1968. It was written by Smokey Robinson, the lead singer of the group.
The song “Baby, Baby Don’t Cry” is a soulful ballad that portrays a message of reassurance and encouragement. Its lyrics offer comfort to someone experiencing heartache, expressing the sentiment that things will get better and encouraging them to remain strong during difficult times.
Smokey Robinson’s emotive vocals, backed by the harmonious sound of The Miracles, added depth and emotion to the song. The track’s heartfelt melody and touching lyrics resonated with audiences, becoming a notable hit for the group.
“Baby, Baby Don’t Cry” is appreciated for its soulful delivery and meaningful lyrics, embodying the emotional depth and musicality that were characteristic of The Miracles’ repertoire during the Motown era.